The Priest's House Museum and Garden

Website

E-mail

Telephone

01202 882 533

All information is drawn from or provided by the venues themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.

The Priest's House is an historic town house dating from the 16th century, located in the heart of Wimborne Minster. This Grade II* listed building retains many original architectural features. There are period room settings, such as the Victorian Kitchen with working Beetonette range. The building also houses displays covering the rich local history and archaeology of East Dorset and its communities.

There is a delightful walled garden at the back of the house, its ever changing flowering plants set amongst mature fruit trees, topiary work and smooth lawns. There is something of interest at all times of the year. A tea room serves drinks and home-made cakes.

We offer hands-on experience supporting the National Curriculum for schools. Our education programme includes sessions on the Victorians, World War Two, the Romans and Toys. Object loan boxes on these subjects are also available. The Museum's Education Service has been awarded the Heritage Education Trust's Sandford Award.

Guided tours of the historic rooms, revealing fascinating facts about former inhabitants, are available throughout the year. Advance booking is essential.

The Priest's House Museum is run by an independent charitable trust. It is supported by East Dorset District Council but relies on admission income to operate.

Venue Type:

Museum, Historic house or home

Opening hours

April to October, Monday to Saturday, 10.00-4.30.School parties welcome throughout the school year for pre-booked education sessions.

Season ticket (visit as often as you like from April to October) £10.00

Discounts

Museums Association

Additional info

The ground floor and garden are accessible to wheelchair users. Toilets are suitable for wheelchair users with assistance. If you require further information or assistance regarding accessibility, please let the Curators know.

The Museum has no parking facility. However, there is coach and car parking in Wimborne.

Collection details

Archaeology, Archives, Coins and Medals, Costume and Textiles, Decorative and Applied Art, Fine Art, Land Transport, Law and Order, Medicine, Music, Natural Sciences, Personalities, Photography, Science and Technology, Social History, Toys and Hobbies, Trade and Commerce, Weapons and War